3 December 2012

Auckland Council secures new regional parkland

The Auckland Council has purchased 29.5 hectares of land at Pakiri (north east of Warkworth) as an addition to the existing regional parkland.

The property is largely low-lying pasture on Pakiri River Road, the main road leading to Pakiri Beach, and offers opportunities to enhance access the existing regional parkland.

Mayor Len Brown says securing parkland and providing access to coastal areas is vital as Auckland grows.

“Nearby Warkworth is identified in the Auckland Plan as a satellite town which will experience significant population growth as an employment and service hub for the north.

“It is therefore vital that we plan for future growth with the provision of public open space and also ensure the protection of our natural environment,” he says.

Councillor Sandra Coney, Chair of the Auckland Council Parks, Recreation and Heritage Forum says this was a strategic purchase that ensures this parkland can be developed to its full potential in the future.

“This property provides a link between the road and the existing beach-front block of parkland.

“It has potential for back-to-basics camping, car parking facilities and vehicle access.

“Pakiri Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, with white sands, great surf and spectacular views from the cliff-top parkland overlooking the beach,” she says.

Development of this land will be considered as part of the future concept planning for the parkland at Pakiri and will be subject to public consultation and engagement with manawhenua.

The property was purchased for $1.2 million from the council’s parks acquisition fund, money set aside specifically for parks purchases. The Auckland Council will take ownership of the property from 1 July 2013.

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

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